The Show designer Spotlight: Maison Beautista by Jan Franchezco Bautista

From small-town boy to big-city lad, Jan Bautista draws on the richness of his background to spark his creativity. His interest in fashion developed when he started reflecting on the different lifestyles he has been exposed to throughout his life. Originally from the Philippines, Bautista moved to Canada seven years ago with his family, which grew his love for fashion.

Bautista's line Maison Beautista is designed for mature dandy gentlemen over the age of 50 who value clothes and the craftsmanship that goes into them. With a line of bold colours and flamboyant patterns under his belt, Bautista aspires to work in the theatre industry—in particular, for Cirque du Soleil—where clothes serve to entertain and bring stories alive.

Maison Beautista will be unveiled at The Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel, on April 24 at the River Rock Casino. Thirty-six other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion students will also be showcased. See kpu.ca/theshow2014 for event details.

Emily Dowd: Describe your collection.

Jan Franchezco: Maison Beautista channels fine arts and cultural values through clothing. My line is a collection of eccentric designs that are well-crafted, meaningful, and authentic, yet still meet the importance of fit and comfort for the modern, mature gentleman who cares about clothes. 

ED: Where did you get your inspiration for this collection?

JF: This collection explores the works of art of the post-impressionist era, and more specifically Vincent van Gogh's painting “Irises”. For me, this particular masterpiece represents the celebration and adoration life deserves. It’s an expression of the artist’s burning desire to prove his ability to paint with total control while celebrating life with nature, despite his creative madness. I drew on the painting’s themes of emotional honesty, abstract beauty, and distinct boldness as inspiration for Maison Beautista.

ED: If your collection had a soundtrack, what song would it be?

JF: A remixed version of Fred Astaire's “Top hat, White Tie and Tails”.  It’s even more upbeat, even more flamboyant. 

ED: What’s your favourite piece in your wardrobe?

JF: Nothing in particular, I love them all, and I feel like I’m married to all of them. As for my collection, I treat each piece with equally TLC—from the research phase all the way to production. And that's what my collection is all about: bringing importance to clothes, and inspiring people to celebrate life to the fullest.

ED: What are you doing after graduation?

I want to travel and hopefully get a job, more specifically a job with Cirque du Soleil. I like Cirque and I like working in theatre, because for me that’s where clothes really become purposeful and meaningful. I like the idea of clothes and costumes supporting stories in theatre and film by making those stories more visual, as well as realistic.

ED: Red or pink?

Pink! But I specifically prefer magenta. It's bold and it's such an invigorating colour. It makes me feel alive.